I'm getting Medicare on April 1, 2013.

[TexasBushwhacker]

17. It's not that bad

Medicare Part A covers hospital bills and that's what you get free of charge. You paid into the fund when you were working.

Medicare Part B covers doctors and outpatient procedures. The premium for this in 2013 will be about $105 and they will take it out of your SSDI.

Medicare Part C is managed care, like an HMO, that's run by a private provider and takes the place of Medicare Part A and B. You have to choose this. It can have lower deductibles and co-pays, but you can only use the doctors and hospitals in their network. A lot of doctors are dropping out of these networks. I can't say I really recommend them.

Medicare Part D is for prescription drugs. If you choose to get this, you'll have to choose a provider. Premiums vary by location, but it should be less than $50 a month. If you have to take name brand prescriptions, it can be worth it.

If your income is low enough, you can qualify for Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare would be your primary provider and Medicaid would be your secondary. The limits for Medicaid should be going up soon because of Obamacare.